Is Washington Terrace safe?
Houston, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Washington Terrace as “Caution”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Washington Terrace
“Go with care. Washington Terrace offers lovely historic architecture and unbeatable access to the Museum District and local universities. However, elevated property crime and sporadic violent crime in the surrounding Greater Third Ward area mean visitors should stay alert, especially at night.”
About the area
Washington Terrace is a historic, predominantly residential neighborhood in Houston's Third Ward featuring quiet, tree-lined streets with distinctive 1930s and 1940s brick homes. Bordered by Texas Southern University, Almeda Road, and SH 288, it sits at the crossroads of active community revitalization and traditional urban neighborhood life. Visitors often explore the area for its architecture, soul food institutions, and proximity to major cultural institutions.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Residential
- University-Adjacent
Walking and biking in Washington Terrace
Walk score: 68/100 · Bike score: 71/100
Cyclists have easy access to the Columbia Tap Rail-Trail just east of the neighborhood, which provides a direct, off-street multi-use path into Downtown Houston and toward Brays Bayou.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Well-preserved 1930s-1940s brick cottage and Tudor architecture on shaded residential avenues.
- Proximity to Texas Southern University, Hermann Park, and the Houston Museum District.
- Active neighborhood associations working on preservation and community infrastructure improvements.
Cons
- Property crime rates, particularly motor vehicle theft and break-ins, remain consistently above national averages.
- Opportunistic street crimes and robberies occur at elevated rates along perimeter thoroughfares.
- Uneven sidewalk quality and dim street lighting across several interior residential blocks.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is uncommon on interior residential streets, but individuals and temporary encampments are occasionally observed under the nearby SH 288 overpasses and along major commercial corridors like Almeda Road.
What Washington Terrace is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and calm, with residents walking dogs and students commuting toward nearby campuses.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Generally quiet residential atmosphere with modest foot traffic and steady cross-town vehicle traffic.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential feel, though caution is warranted near major commercial streets and unlit intersections.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Streets become deserted and walking alone is discouraged due to property and personal crime risks.
Transit, parking and getting around
METRO operates several bus routes through and around the neighborhood, including Routes 4 (Beechnut), 11 (Almeda/Lyons), and 68 (Brays Bayou). The METRORail Red Line stations (such as Museum District Station) are located about 1 mile west across Highway 288.
Residential street parking is free and generally plentiful, while businesses offer free surface lots; visitors should never leave bags or valuables visible inside parked vehicles.
Things to do in Washington Terrace
- Take an architectural walking tour of historic brick homes along Southmore Boulevard and Ennis Street.
- Explore the University Museum and public art exhibits at neighboring Texas Southern University.
- Dine at historic local soul food and community-centered eateries along Blodgett Street and Almeda Road.
Local favorites
- Houston This Is It Soul Food · Soul Food Restaurant · 4.2★ (3150)Historic Houston staple serving classic scratch-made soul food, oxtails, and sweet tea since 1959.
- Mo' Better Brews · Vegan Cafe & Vinyl Shop · 4.4★ (1220)Trendy, energetic spot serving plant-based breakfast fare, specialty coffee, and curated vinyl records.
- Cream Burger · Hamburger Stand · 4.6★ (1450)Iconic, cash-only walk-up window serving old-school burgers and thick milkshakes since 1961.
Neighborhoods near Washington Terrace
Common questions about Washington Terrace
Is Washington Terrace safe to walk at night?
Take care after dark: stick to lit main streets or take a ride.
Is Washington Terrace a good place to live?
On safety, Washington Terrace scores 62/100 — below average, so visit at different times of day before deciding to move.
How walkable is Washington Terrace?
Walk score 68/100 and bike score 71/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Washington Terrace are safer?
One Hermann Place (80), Museum District (Houston) (78), Canfield Oaks (64) score higher nearby.
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